Crews are set to begin construction Wednesday, Dec. 17 on a new span for the Paw Paw Trail bridge over Bear Creek, north of Gilliam.

Southern District Commissioner Monte Fenner reported at Wednesday morning’s session that the project to replace the 105-year-old bridge in the Gilliam Special Road District should take about three months to complete.

 

Commissioners also hosted another bridge pre-construction meeting last week, a span located in the Malta Bend Special Road District.

 

During their session Wednesday morning, the Saline County Commission adopted an ordinance concerning dust control and grading on roads in the county’s common road district. Commissioners also adopted an ordinance updating the after-hours use policy for the courthouse, and formally designated emergency management director Brad Hinz as Saline County’s floodplain manager.

Courthouse After-Hours Use Policy Ordinance (6729-2025)

Pursuant to RSMO 49.266, the Saline County Commission is charged with the care, management, and oversight of the Saline County Courthouse and its properties.

To ensure the security, safety, and proper use of county facilities, the Saline County Commission has adopted the following policy regarding after-hours use of the courthouse:

1. Restricted Use: The Saline County Courthouse is not available for after-hours use by individuals or organizations outside of official county or city business.
2. Approval Required: Any use of Saline County properties must be formally requested by application (Provided by the Saline County Commission) and approved by the Saline County Commission during a regular Commission session.
3. Compliance: All approved uses must comply with county rules and regulations, and the Commission reserves the right to deny any request that is not consistent with county policy, safety, and security considerations.

This policy ensures that the courthouse remains secure and available for its primary function of serving the citizens of Saline County.

Dust Control on County Roads Ordinance (6730-2025)

Purpose: To provide guidance for grading and dust control on roads within the Saline County Common Road District

Ordinance:

1. Roads within the Saline County Common Road District will be graded at least once annually before summer, regardless of dust control application.
2. Dust control may be applied at the property owner’s expense.
3. Property owners who place dust control on county roads must notify the Saline County Road and Bridge Department in writing before application.  Forms are available at the County Commissioners’ office.